Tag Archives: Family and Friends of Addicts

Is My Teen Using Drugs Or Alcohol?

During the teen years, young people are busy trying to figure out who they are. Part of this process involves experimenting with different clothing styles, spending more time with friends and starting to make their own lifestyle choices. At this time in a teenager’s life, it’s not entirely uncommon for them to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, however, they lack the experience and the maturity to fully understand the consequences of their decisions.

Who Is At Risk For Using Drugs Or Alcohol?

While it would be easy to think that using drugs or alcohol is something that happens only to teens who come from certain income levels or who live in specific areas. That is however, not the case.

Some young people will experiment with substances and either stop or use them occasionally and not experience any type of significant problems. Others will develop a substance abuse issue, which can lead to them moving on to more dangerous drugs or binge drinking. Over time, the young person can have a fully developed addiction, which can be both detrimental and dangerous for both them and those they love.

Young people particularly at risk include ones who:

Have low self-esteem
Are depressed
Who feel as though they don’t fit in with their peers
Have a family history of substance abuse/addiction

Warning Signs Of Drug Or Alcohol Use In Teens

Physical Signs

Excessive fatigue
Red and/or glazed-over appearance to eyes
Ongoing cough

Emotional Signs

Change in personality
Mood swings
Irresponsible behavior
Depression
Irritability
Lack of interest in school/family life/hobbies

Behavior With Family

Breaking rules
Starting arguments
Withdrawing from family members

School

Drop in grades
Negative attitude toward school/teachers/learning in general
Increase in absences
Discipline problems
Truancy

How To Lower The Risk Of Substance Abuse For Your Teen

Educate yourself about the health consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Before you can talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol, you need to know the facts. There are resources available online, from the public library or your local health clinic to help you.

Talk to your teen early and often about substance abuse. Instead of having one talk, talk multiple times about drugs and alcohol and keep the doors to communication open. Let your teen know that you are available to talk anytime they need you and that you will always listen.

Model good behavior in your own choices around drug and alcohol use. If you tell your teen that drug and alcohol abuse will not be tolerated in your home, but they see you abusing your own prescription medications or saying that you “need” a drink because you have had a bad day, it gives them a mixed message. Now is the time to take a good look at your own use patterns so that you can set a good example.

New Beginnings Recovery Center is an adult-only treatment facility, but If you are concerned about your own drug or alcohol use and want help, call us to learn more about our outpatient addiction detox, mental health services, counseling, personalized addiction treatment programs and much more.

We Will Be Here For You…Every Step Of The Way – Call Us Now!

How Do I Know If My Loved One Is Addicted To Drugs?

No one wants to think that their loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Even if you begin to suspect there may be an issue, your first instinct may be to push your suspicions to the back of your mind and look for another explanation. There are signs that substance abuse may be an issue, and turning away from them will only allow the problem to grow and become more serious.

How Do I Know If My Loved One Is Addicted To Drugs-New Beginnings

Signs Your Loved One May Be Addicted To Drugs

Here are some questions to ask yourself regarding your loved one’s behavior. The more “yes” answers you provide, the more likely that you are dealing with a substance abuse issue.

Do they get cravings and urges to use their drug of choice?
Are they unable to cut down or stop using on their own?
Does your loved one take the drug in larger amounts than recommended/prescribed and/or for longer than recommended (in regards to prescription drugs)?
Do they spend a large portion of their time obtaining, using or recovering from drug use?
Have they given up opportunities to be with friends and family or work-related activities because of their drug use?
Are they unable to perform well at work, school or at home due to drug use?
Do they continue to use drugs even when it leads to problems in their relationships?
Do they need to take more of the drug to get the effect that they want?
Does your loved one experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, body aches, nervousness or irritability, which are relieved by taking more of the drug?

Help For Your Loved One’s Addiction

Addiction can happen to people from all backgrounds. This disease doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, income level, gender, education or any other basis.

If you know or suspect that your loved one has become addicted to drugs, we here at New Beginnings Recovery Center can help by offering customized and innovative addiction treatment options including integrative medical programs and PHP partial hospitalization programs. We also utilize licensed therapeutic practitioners and can perform a biopsychosocial assessment on clients.

Call us today to learn more about our effective treatment programs so that you can encourage your loved one to get the help that they need.

Does My Loved One Need Drug And Alcohol Rehab?

Does My Loved One Need Drug And Alcohol Rehab Are you concerned that your loved one may have a problem with drugs or alcohol? Perhaps you have noticed a change in their behavior or personality. These changes may leave you wondering if they are struggling with addiction or simply going through a rough patch in their life.

When deciding whether or not your loved one needs to seek drug and alcohol rehab, it is important to closely evaluate the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

There are five major signs of a drug or alcohol addiction that you should look for to determine if your loved one needs drug and alcohol rehab. While these signs may not indicate an addiction, in many cases they are the first signs you may notice.

5 Signs Of Addiction

1) Out Of Character

Behaviors that are out of character for your loved one may be a red flag when determining whether your loved one is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Behaviors such as anxiety, paranoia, and mood swings may be an indication of substance abuse.

2) Financial Trouble

Those suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction will typically spend all of their money on their habit. This can lead to bills being left unpaid on a regular basis. Once the addiction surpasses the person’s income, they may begin participating in illegal activities as a way to fund their habit. If your loved one has asked on several occasions to borrow money for rent or utilities, you may want to evaluate the situation more closely.

3) Legal Trouble

Traffic tickets, DUI, and DWI are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the legal troubles addictions can cause. If your loved one has been charged with crimes such as theft or possession, it is time discuss the option of drug and alcohol rehab treatment.

4) Physical Appearance

Have you noticed your loved one looking slightly unkempt? Perhaps they have shown up at family events in dirty clothing, messy hair and/or pick-marks on their skin. These physical changes in your loved one may cause you to consider a possible drug or alcohol addiction. If your loved one is typically well groomed, you may need to discuss substance abuse issues with them.

5) Physical Symptoms Of Substance Abuse

While most people know the signs of marijuana use such as bloodshot eyes, there are many physical signs for each type of drug. Depressants will cause contracted pupils while stimulants will cause dilated pupils. Injected drugs will leave track marks or needle marks on the arms, legs, hands, and/or feet of the user.

If You Believe That Your Loved One Has A Substance Abuse Problem, Call Us Now!
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